Sections

Syndicate

Fingerpicking is the real test of a master

| Print |

E-mail

Written by Crazy Dave

Wednesday, 19 March 2008

by CrazyDave

Short Description: Classical guitarists use their fingers to pick the strings. Folk and Rock artists also prefer to fingerpick. Apart from the visual appeal it gives them unlimited opportunities to improvise.

How many picks do you use when you fingerpick? Well when you fingerpick, you are using all five fingers as picks and instead of one you actually have five picks at your disposal. So, you can play more than one string at the same time. This is the benefit of fingerpicking.

Classical guitarists actually denote each finger by a letter. They have assigned P to thumb, I to index finger, M to middle finger, A to ring finger and C to little finger. There is a very easy way of remembering it - "Poor Idiots' Memories Are Crap".

It's necessary at this stage to know a little more about the six strings of your guitar. The lowermost string (which is also the thinnest) is called high E. The string just above it (and slightly thicker too) is called B. The strings gradually increase in thickness from G to D to A and the thickest (and nearest to you) is known as low E.

Place your right arm over the guitar and let your fingers hang loosely over the sound hole. Gently curl your fingers so that the thumb rests on low E. Let the index finger rest on G, the middle finger on B and the ring finger on E. Usually the little fingers is not of much use. As it is you can't really pick strings effectively with your pinkie - it's too weak for that.

Start picking E low, A and D downwards with your thumb. You may bend your thumb a little if necessary, but see to it that the fleshy part of the thumb is used to do the picking. After you've done this quite a few times and got a feel of the strings, start picking G, B and high E with the fingers poised over them. Though you start by picking downwards, after you've gained enough confidence begin practicing upward strokes too.

If the sound is too soft, just pick the strings harder. It'd be better to keep your palm as still as possible and use fingers only for picking the strings. I have another advice. Pull back your fingers as soon as they have plucked a string. If they still touch the strings sound gets muted. It is very important to remember this while you fingerpick.

Some players keep their pinkie free while some others plant it near the bridge for additional support. I have nothing specific to tell you in this matter. Do what suits you best.

You may also start growing nails on your picking fingers. This helps in picking and you get a brighter sound too.

About the Author:

Before you go spending a ton on 1-on-1 guitar lessons, be sure to check out Crazy Dave's review of the #1 instructional video guitar lessons on the net - learn and master guitar. Dave's site provides over 35 free guitar licks!